Norfolk's Music on Monarch Way, a free outdoor Saturday concert series that takes place just behind the Ted Constant Center at Old Dominion University, has booked a set of top local Americana acts.

Drop in for a few of these shows, and you'll catch a glimpse of the quality and variety of the local roots scene.

Skip Friel and The Resonators, who'll play June 23, are an entertaining acoustic rock band. Earlier this year, Friel released an album of original tunes, "Passage." It was recorded at Norfolk's Clay Garden Studios and features guest appearances by Julie Clark on backing vocals and Bob Rankin on electric guitar.

The next week, on June 30, the series will present Bobby "Black Hat" Walters, a Newport News bluesman who has also released a new album this year. "Blues on Cardboard" arrived back in January and was celebrated with an album release party at the Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach.

On July 14, bluesy songwriter Seth Stainback will perform on Monarch Way. Like Friel and Walters, he's got new product to sell. His impressive disc "Earth & Worm" was recorded at Soul Haven Studios in Virginia Beach and was produced with help from talented local guitarist Larry Berwald. Dahna Rowe contributes backing vocals.

Here's a closer look at the concert series, by way of a news released posted at the ODU Village website.

***********************

5th Annual Music On Monarch Way

2012 MUSIC ON MONARCH WAY

Summer Concert Series

On the 'Green' located behind the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. June 16, 2012 to August 11, 2012.